The most exciting and innovative Alpine gets a dramatic boost in power thanks to a new hydrogen V6 engine.
Among the huge wave of new features that Alpine has showcased in recent years to strengthen its brand beyond the famous A110, there is one that surprises with its impressive nature. This is the Alpine Alpenglowan impressive concept in hypercar form that has been evolving since its first appearance in 2022. It reappeared in 2024 as the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4, powered by a hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine with a four-cylinder turbo producing 340 hp.. Thus, this concept, which over the past year has shown that it is capable of working even in the real world, as we saw in the prototype, has become Alpine’s best rental lab to experiment with hydrogen alternative fuel cell technology and this allows us to remain fairly close in formula and feel to traditional internal combustion engines. There was only one problem: 340 hp. for such a hypercar of the future seemed too insufficient.
But that has just changed with the arrival of its latest version, shown at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, which shares the spotlight with other brand innovations such as the new Alpine A390_β concept or the definitive Alpine A110 R Ultime. We’re talking about Alpine Alpenglow Hy6, which has increased engine capacity and how it has moved from a four-cylinder turbo engine to a new powerful twin-turbo V6 engine with over 700 hp, which now puts its performance on par with its appearance.
Formula 1 technology thinks about the future of Le Mans
On a design level, it’s still the same car we’ve seen over the years, with the striking and edgy shape of a Le Mans hypercar from the future accompanied by its mirror blue color.with striking details such as the elongated rear end with a clear spoiler (now in a higher and more aggressive position) and extended sides reminiscent of the brand’s classic La Sarthe legends such as the A220. In short, it is an aspect that is intended to be the successor to the current Alpine A424, which the French firm began racing this year in the WEC. This time, however, along with new air intakes, lighter carbon parts and other details, a transparent cover is visible behind the cockpit, allowing a detailed look at the new and striking heart of this new version.
This is a 3.5-liter V6 engine, recently developed by Alpine specialists in Viry-Châtillon and, like its predecessor, is powered by hydrogen through combustion. However, in After two years of work, this V6 engine has gone from 340 hp. the previous four-cylinder turbocharged engine to an impressive 740 hp, with which this Alpenglow Hy6 is capable of a top speed of 330 km/h.. Not only that, but this engine of course also delivers a much more exciting sound thanks to a propeller capable of spinning up to 9000 rpm. Even from an aesthetic point of view, it is a work of art in which the cylinders are a bright white color. Just like the aerodynamics, this engine uses a lot of technology borrowed from Formula 1. be able to achieve such a regime and guarantee the correct and efficient combustion of hydrogen. For refueling, the engine has three high-pressure hydrogen tanks located on the sides of the car.
Although there are no images of the interior, it is also quite a sight. Accessible by opening the scissor doors, it provides room for pilot and passenger in fully adjustable bucket seats upholstered in new fabric that reacts to light in metallic and blue colors. The triangle located at the front of the driver’s position is still present, as is the instrument panel with a purple tubular crossbar partially hidden by an airplane wing-shaped section. Here we find Premium racing materials such as carbon fibre, aluminum and Alcantara, adorned with 3D printed motifs. In addition, special supports have been added for mounting small action cameras. to be able to immortalize your laps on the track and the sound of them.
Hydrogen is one of the main bets of the ACO and FIA, organizers of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, on the future of the race, as it will allow hydrogen cars to race from 2028, so of course the Alpine project is pretty well focused.
Antonio Ramos Ochoa, who specializes in the world of engines, competition and technology, is the editor of Car and Driver magazine. They say that before getting out of the car, he already said the names of the cars he saw on the street. Several years later he is still here talking about one of his passions. A fan of motorsports, movies, video games and history, he even blows off some steam behind the wheel of a go-kart or simulator from time to time.